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National Garden Service

Engaged Employer

National Garden Service reviews

2.8

40% would recommend to a friend

(46 total reviews)

Jeff Biro

23% approve of CEO

24% positive business outlook

National Garden Service has an employee rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars, based on 46 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The National Garden Service employee rating is 21% below average for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

46 reviews
1.0
May 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Independence, flowers, some customers, can work in nice weather

Cons

Disrespect, unpredictable hours, No Saturdays off all year, Krg Corporate Micromanaging, No support from NGS, Toxic. NGS does not prioritize work-life balance for its employees and demonstrates little concern for their well-being. The company maintains a contractual relationship with Kroger, and it appears that NGS consistently accommodates Kroger Corporate's demands without considering the impact on its own staff. A recent example of this is the implementation of a new work schedule for 2026, which requires Merchandisers to work from Monday through Saturday all year round. This significant change was introduced without any advance notice or opportunity for employees to plan accordingly. The new policy was communicated as effective immediately, with no provisions for coverage if an employee needed to take a day off. This lack of forewarning and flexibility disregards the needs and commitments of Merchandisers. When hired, employees were informed that Saturday work would only be expected during peak seasons. However, the abrupt shift to a mandatory six-day workweek throughout the year showed no regard for the personal lives of staff members. This policy forced employees to cancel family vacation weekends, miss their children's ballgames, and reschedule important events like Saturday birthday parties. Such actions are perceived as unfair and inconsiderate, placing unreasonable expectations on employees and disrupting their personal and family lives. The positive aspects are working independently and being around beautiful flowers. IF the store supplies you with watering equipment you will be able to take care of them, some stores don’t. The job advertisement for this position can be misleading, as it suggests a level of flexibility that does not reflect the actual working conditions. Employees are not able to choose their own days or hours, nor can they reliably maintain a second job, due to the unpredictability of deliveries that can disrupt their schedules without warning. The responsibilities extend far beyond simply watering plants. The work is physically demanding and exhausting, requiring tasks such as unloading up to 100 trees, each weighing over 50 pounds, and unloading five carts of flowers consecutively at every assigned location. These tasks must be completed independently, as no assistance is provided. Additionally, time spent carefully setting up product displays is often wasted, as Kroger Management may rearrange or move the displays after the employee leaves. My advice is to continue your job search elsewhere. The experiences described above highlight a lack of consideration for staff well-being, inflexible scheduling, and physically demanding work. These conditions suggest that those who prioritize respectful treatment and work-life balance may not find a suitable environment at NGS. Therefore, it is recommended to explore other opportunities where your expectations for respect and fair treatment are more likely to be met.

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National Garden Service Response
1mo
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for your more than three years with National Garden Service. We sincerely appreciate the dedication and hard work our Merchandisers contribute each season. We are encouraged to hear that you value the independence of the role, working with flowers, and creating positive customer experiences. At the same time, we take concerns about scheduling, communication, support, workload, and work-life balance seriously. Our goal is to provide a work environment that supports both operational needs and the people who make our work possible. We recognize that changes to schedules or expectations can have a significant impact, and employee feedback helps us evaluate how we communicate and implement those decisions. We also understand the importance of having the tools, resources, and support needed to perform the job successfully and safely. Feedback like yours is shared internally and helps guide ongoing conversations around staffing, equipment availability, scheduling practices, and overall employee experience. Thank you again for your service and for sharing your perspective.
1.0
Jun 25, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You're able to be flexible in the time you work it's either so much work you can't handle it or not enough work to keep your people having hours.

Cons

The company is run by a man who still lives at home with his parents. That aside, the wages offered—especially to managers—are not fair or consistent. Experience isn’t recognized equally, and despite having more qualifications or time on the job, employees are often paid the same. Merchandisers, in particular, rarely receive raises, and it’s incredibly difficult and frustrating to secure one for them. While bonuses are occasionally given to managers and leads, the merchandisers—who are doing the bulk of the work—are frequently overlooked and undervalued.

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National Garden Service Response
10mo
Thank you for sharing your perspective and for your years of service with National Garden Service. We value the commitment and dedication of our team members, and we take all feedback seriously as we continue to strengthen our organization. We recognize the concerns you’ve raised regarding advancement opportunities and compensation. Fairness, consistency, and recognition of our employees’ contributions are priorities for us, and we are actively reviewing our compensation and development practices to better support growth and acknowledge performance across all roles, including our merchandising teams. We appreciate your candid feedback, as it helps us identify areas where we can improve. While we regret that your experience did not fully reflect our values, we remain committed to building an environment where every employee feels valued and supported. —National Garden Service
1.0
Apr 5, 2025

You can do better

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You are taking care of plants

Cons

While they’re expanding internal operations and handing out bonuses and perks to office staff, the people out in the field—who are doing the physical work every day—are getting nothing. There’s a real imbalance in how appreciation and compensation are being distributed. The field teams are the backbone of this operation, yet they’re often overlooked when it comes to raises, recognition, or advancement. It’s frustrating and disheartening for the people who are keeping things running on the ground.

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National Garden Service Response
10mo
Thank you for your feedback and for your years of dedication to National Garden Service. We sincerely appreciate the commitment of our merchandising teams, whose efforts are essential to our success. We hear your concerns regarding recognition, compensation, and opportunities for advancement. Our merchandising employees are at the heart of what we do, and we know it’s critical that their contributions are acknowledged and rewarded. We are actively evaluating how we can better support career development and ensure that appreciation and opportunities are shared equitably across the company. Your perspective helps us improve, and while we regret that your experience has not fully reflected our intentions, we are committed to building a stronger, more balanced culture where all employees feel valued and supported. —National Garden Service
Viewing 1 - 3 of 46 Reviews

Glassdoor has 48 National Garden Service reviews submitted anonymously by National Garden Service employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if National Garden Service is right for you.